Snowshoe Flat Retreat

LOCATION
Snowshoe Flat Retreat is located on the road between Graeagle and Johnsville in scenic Plumas County, California. Just 47 miles northwest of Truckee, the property is an equally desirable weekend getaway for those traveling from the San Francisco Bay Area. Access is straightforward: from Interstate 80 near Truckee, take Highway 89 northwest through Graeagle and then up the road 3 miles toward Johnsville. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet, Snowshoe Flat Retreat is 65 miles from Reno, Nevada, and 58 miles from Lake Tahoe, California. The nearest towns, Quincy (25 miles) and Graeagle (3 miles) and Johnsville (2 ½ miles), provide a convenient blend of accessibility and small-town charm. For air travel, the closest airports are Tahoe-Truckee Airport and Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

LOCALE
Quincy, with a population of around 7,000, is the unincorporated county seat of Plumas County and the area’s primary hub for shopping and services. Here, you’ll find essential conveniences, including Safeway, Grocery Outlet, SavMor, and Rite Aid. The nearby town of Graeagle adds to the charm with its quaint general store, The Graeagle Store, perfect for picking up local goods and essentials. Johnsville, a historic gold mining town at the base of Eureka Peak, is home to the Plumas Eureka State Park headquarters and many trailheads to the Lakes Basin fishing area.
Plumas County is a true recreational paradise, featuring over 100 lakes, 1,000 miles of rivers and streams, and more than a million acres of national forest. Adding to the retreat’s appeal, both the 6,700-acre Plumas-Eureka State Park and the Plumas National Forest border the property, underscoring the area’s stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Snowshoe Flat Retreat is located along the scenic road from Graeagle to Johnsville. The parcel is mostly flat, wooded, and exceptionally private, with the nearest neighbor approximately two miles away in the valley below. The main residence is a 1,360-square-foot, two-story cabin featuring a master bedroom and large bedroom loft sleeping 5 or more, two bathrooms, a spacious living room with a fireplace, a well-equipped, but dated kitchen with dishwasher, and an outdoor deck—perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding forest views. A quaint swimming hole adjacent to the main cabin provides refreshing relief in the warm summer months.

The guest house, also two stories and approximately 600 square feet, offers two bedrooms and a spacious loft also sleeping 5 or more, one bathroom, a cozy living area, and its own deck. The two cabins are situated about 200 yards apart, providing added privacy for family members and guests.

The property is bordered by Plumas-Eureka State Park and U.S. Forest Service land, ensuring long-term privacy and access to nature. At one time, trails meandered around the property and they could be redeveloped for scenic walks or invigorating runs to explore the retreat’s abundant natural beauty. The trailhead to beautiful Madora Lake is a quarter mile up the road toward Johnsville.
A nearby creek, located off the property, provides seasonal water access to the cabins except during the winter. Both cabins are connected to electricity and feature propane heating and septic systems.

RECREATION AND HISTORY
Plumas County boasts a rich history rooted in the Gold Rush and forestry, offering countless opportunities for exploration. The region is home to numerous lakes and mountain streams, with access to the stunning middle fork of the Feather River, designated a “wild and scenic river” in recognition of its remarkable natural beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, skiing, kayaking, and more. The area is also a golfer’s paradise, featuring five scenic golf courses within easy reach. For those interested in hunting, Plumas National Forest offers excellent options.
For additional recreation, nearby destinations such as Truckee, Lake Tahoe, and Reno provide access to downhill skiing, gaming, shopping, fine dining, and a variety of cultural attractions.
A unique historical note: Snowshoe Thompson, a Norwegian-American known as the “Father of California Skiing,” famously delivered mail to the region on skis during the mid-1800s. The owners’ grandparents recalled stories of Thompson traversing the area, and old longboard wooden skis (now adorning the entry to the main cabin) were even discovered on the property. Local legend suggests there was once a primitive rope tow leading up to the ridge west of the retreat. Visitors can view photos of Snowshoe Thompson and learn more about his legacy at the Plumas-Eureka State Park Museum in nearby Johnsville.

WATER RESOURCES AND UTILITIES
The Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Co-operative provides electricity.
Water is supplied by a nearby creek through a pipeline feeding a modern 5,000 polypropylene holding tank. The water source typically freezes during the winter months and is not utilized during that time. The water system will require servicing before future use. A recent assessment by a well drilling company has identified several potential locations where a well could be installed.

PARCELS AND ZONING
The zoning ordinances governing the property are GF General Forest.
80+/- Acres

AGENT’S COMMENTS
Snowshoe Flat Retreat is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking real privacy. Is so quiet you can hear a pine cone drop! With the national forest and state park land next door, it feels like your property goes on and on.